Who Takes Psychology and Why

At Highline Community College over 2800 students register annually for our psychology courses. They enroll for a variety of reasons.

A number of students enroll in psychology classes because they are curious about the concepts studied in psychology and wish to learn about those concepts in a classroom setting. For example, Psychology 120 (Psychology of Human Relations) deals specifically with individual adjustment, interpersonal relationships, and conflict management. Psychology 130 (Death and Life) discusses grieving and issues surround the bereavement process. Behavioral Science 100
explores all areas of human sexual attitudes and behaviors. Many people from the community come to campus to take a single class which addresses some of the issues that are of current interest or concern to them.

A large number of students who enroll in psychology are both curious about psychology and are completing some of their social science distribution credits. Any of the courses (except special studies) offered by the department will contribute to the social science credits required by the AA option A degree.

Many students enrolled in vocational programs (Registered Nursing, Administration of Justice, Practical Accounting, General Business, Special Education, Human Services, Interior Design, Legal Secretary, Paralegal, Professional Secretary, Respiratory Care) complete one or two courses as required by their program.

Some students have decided that they want to major in psychology. They plan on completing their lower-division psychology credits so they can apply for admission to the psychology department at a four-year school. For these students Psychology 100 and then 200-level psychology courses are usually their choices.